Washboard.



J A. SCHLEHRf WASHBOARD. 4 APPLIQATION FILED OCT. 1. I914. RENEWED JUNE22.19I6.

Patented Jan. 2, 1917.

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JOSEPH ANTHONY scHLEHR, ,oF =RQQKFQRD,11LLI1\T OIS, ASSIGNOBEO ,A. M 'r-N,

' oEoI IoAGo, ILLINOIS.

' .WASHBOARD.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan.'2,1 1917.

Application filed October 1, 1914, Serial No. 864,466. Renewed June e2,71916. Serial No. 105,277.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JOSEPH ANTHONY SGHLEHR, acitizen of the United States, residing at Rockford, in the county ofWinnebago and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Washboards; and I do declare the following to be a full,clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enableothers skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use thesame. 7

This invention relates to improvements in wash-boards.

The main object of the invention is to provide a wash-board with animproved rubbing surface which will easily and quickly cleanse thearticles rubbed thereon with a minimum of wear and tear.

Another object is to provide a rubbing surface of a wash-board composedof alternating solid and flexible strips.

Another object is to provide simple and efficient means for detachablyand reliably securing these strips in operative position.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention consists ofcertain novel features of construction, combination and arrangement ofparts as will be more fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 represents a front elevation of awash-board constructed in accordance with this invention, with partsbroken out; Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal section taken on the line2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a detail transverse section taken on the line3-3 of Fig. 1; and Fig. 4 is a similar view taken on the line 44 of Fig.1.

In the embodiment illustrated, the frame of the wash-board is showncomposed of side members 1 and 2 having their inner edges groovedlongitudinally throughout their length as shown at 3 to receive therubbing elements and connecting means. A cross bar 4 connects the upperends of the side bars 1 and 2 and laterally spaced parallel cross bars 5and 6 connect said side members at a point spaced inwardly from theupper cross bar 4. A partition 7 'is clamped between the cross bars 5and 6 and secured to the inner face of the upper cross bar 4 midway thewidth thereof, thereby providing soap trays on opposite sides of thewash-board.

members 1 and 2 in close proximity to each other and the flexible strips8 are disposed between adjacent solid strips and fastened in operativeposition by frictional engagement with said strips which are held incompressed clamping relation by means of removable fastening blocks orbars 10 which are secured in the lower ends of the grooves 3 by screwsor other suitable fastening means. The strips 8 may be composed of anypliable material such as canvas or duck and as shown, these strips arearranged in the form -of loops with the looped portions projectingbeyond the rubbing face of the board and their ends clamped between thestrips 9 but it willvbe obvious that it is not necessary to so constructthem and that strips having selvage edges may be employed and that theymay project on one or both faces of the board as desired, said stripsbeing here shown projecting on one face only. 7

In assembling the rubbing elements, the fastening blocks 10 are firstremoved and the strips or bars 9 are disposed between the side members 1and 2 with their ends inserted in the grooves 3 thereof and spaced aparta suitable distance to permit the insertion of the flexible rubbingstrips 8. After these strips 8 have been properly positioned between thebars or strips 9, said strips 9 are forced. upwardly into tight clampingengagement with each other, the lower edges of the partition 7 and thecross bars 5 and 6 serving as abutting means for l ing rubbed thereonWithoutv tearing or injuring the most delicate fabric and Withoutinjuring the hands.

I claim as my invention:

A Wash-board having a rubbing surface composed of a plurality of rigidstrips and loop shaped flexible elements clamped between said stripsWith the looped portion 10 thereof projecting beyond said strips.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of tWo'subscribing Witnesses.

JOSEPH ANTHONY SCHLEHR. Witnesses:

CHAS. A. HILLNER, C. ARTHUR NORDVALL.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents.

Y Washington. D. C.

